Just days before her scheduled embryo transfer via IVF, Stephani discovered a lump in her breast. Having been through this before, she assumed it would be just another minor surgery—nothing to worry about. But what was supposed to be a routine check quickly turned into a series of biopsies, ultimately confirming her worst fears. Not only was she diagnosed with Stage 3 Invasive Ductal Breast Cancer, but she also learned she would no longer be able to carry a pregnancy.
The very hormone medications she had been taking to prepare for the transfer were unknowingly fueling the growth of her tumors. Despite the devastating news, Stephani remains resilient, finding a silver lining in her journey—IVF has saved her life twice. First, when it gave her and her family the greatest gift, their son Cam, and again when the medication’s effects led to the pain that prompted her to get checked.
Now, she is in the midst of intensive chemotherapy, with a long road ahead, including a double mastectomy, radiation, and years of hormone therapy. Through it all, Stephani continues to fight with unwavering strength, determined to take on each challenge with hope and gratitude.